Apple TV+'s Emmy Dominance: Matt Cherniss on 'Severance,' 'The Studio,' and 'Ted Lasso' Season 4

Discover how Matt Cherniss, Apple TV+ Head of Programming, views the streamer's record Emmy nominations for 'Severance' (27 nods) and 'The Studio' (23 nods), plus the confirmed future of 'Ted Lasso' with Season 4 on the horizon.

Apple TV+ has unequivocally emerged as a powerhouse in the streaming landscape, solidified by its stellar performance in the 2025 Emmy nominations. Under the leadership of Matt Cherniss, Head of Programming for Apple TV+, the streamer achieved a record haul, setting the stage for a compelling awards season. This success is largely driven by critical darlings like "Severance" and "The Studio," while fans also eagerly anticipate the confirmed return of the beloved "Ted Lasso."

Apple TV+'s Record-Breaking Emmy Performance

The 77th Annual Emmy Awards nominations, announced on July 15, 2025, saw Apple TV+ garner an unprecedented 81 overall nominations, a significant leap from its previous year's total. This achievement underscores the platform's commitment to high-quality, prestige programming.

"Severance" Leads the Drama Pack: The dystopian workplace thriller "Severance" cemented its status as a critical darling, separating itself from the competition with a staggering 27 Emmy nominations. This makes it the most-nominated show ever for Apple TV+. Key nominations include:
- Outstanding Drama Series
- Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Adam Scott
- Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Britt Lower
- Supporting Actor: Tramell Tillman
- Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette
- Directing for a Drama Series: Ben Stiller (for the Season 2 finale) Cherniss expressed immense pride in "Severance," acknowledging its convergence of critical acclaim and audience buzz.
"The Studio" Breaks Comedy Records: On the comedy front, Apple TV+'s "The Studio" made history, tying the record for a first-season comedy with an astounding 23 nominations. This star-studded series impressed voters, particularly with its unique approach to guest stars:
- Outstanding Comedy Series
- Numerous Guest Actor in a Comedy Series nominations, including legendary figures like Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Bryan Cranston, Anthony Mackie, and Dave Franco – with Howard and Scorsese earning their first-ever Emmy acting nominations. Matt Cherniss lauded the vision of co-creators Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, emphasizing the delight in seeing such legends recognized for their roles.
Broader Success: Beyond these two giants, other Apple TV+ hits contributed to the overall nomination count, including "Shrinking" (with 7 nominations, including acting nods for Harrison Ford and Jason Segel) and Disney+'s "Andor" (with 14 nominations), demonstrating the breadth of talent across the platform's offerings.

Matt Cherniss on Apple's Momentum

Matt Cherniss, as the head of programming, has been instrumental in shaping Apple TV+'s content strategy. Following the Emmy nominations, he shared his excitement, noting that the recognition is "just fantastic" and a testament to the collaborative efforts within Apple. He emphasized the joy of working with and seeing legends like Scorsese and Howard embrace their roles, highlighting the high caliber of talent drawn to Apple Originals.

The Return of 'Ted Lasso': Season 4 Confirmed

Amidst the Emmy buzz, one of the most anticipated announcements for fans was the official confirmation of "Ted Lasso" Season 4. Despite previous hints that Season 3 might conclude the beloved series, Apple TV+ and star Jason Sudeikis have confirmed its return.

Jason Sudeikis's Vision: Sudeikis himself revealed that they are actively writing Season 4. The new season is set to bring a fresh premise, reportedly shifting focus to the formation of AFC Richmond's women's team.
Continued Collaboration: Matt Cherniss expressed Apple's immense thrill in continuing their collaboration with Sudeikis and the "brilliant creative minds" behind "Ted Lasso." He praised the show for inspiring a global fanbase with its message of kindness and belief.
Expected Timeline: While no official release date has been set, production for Season 4 is expected to begin soon, with the smart money on a premiere sometime in 2026. Key cast members like Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, and Brett Goldstein are expected to reprise their roles.
Emmy Legacy: "Ted Lasso" holds a special place in Apple TV+'s history as the only show from the streamer to have won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series, setting a high bar for its return.

Apple TV+: A Formidable Streaming Power

The 2025 Emmy nominations, coupled with the continued production of flagship shows like "Severance" and the eagerly awaited "Ted Lasso" Season 4, underscore Apple TV+'s evolution into a major force in the streaming wars. Under Matt Cherniss's guidance, the platform continues to challenge long-standing industry giants, offering a diverse slate of critically acclaimed and audience-beloved content.

Sources:

Apple TV+'s Emmy Dominance: Matt Cherniss on 'Severance,' 'The Studio,' and 'Ted Lasso' Season 4